Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm).            BACKACHE

Backache is one of the most common problem affecting the human beings It is estimated that atleast 60 to 80% of us will suffer from backache at some point of our lives. Usually it is mild and disappears after some time ,but few people will have severe pain and will be affected by it again and again and it is for these people this page has been designed.

After reading this page you will get a basic knowledge of your disease. This will help you in understanding , the causes and treatment of backache. However if you still want to know more you can always ask me.

It is the back which keeps us in erect position, supports all parts of our body, and at the same time allows us to perform all kinds of movements. It is a delicate structure made up of small but strong bones known as vertebrae which are kept together in proper place by large no of ligaments and muscles. Between the two vertebra there is a fibrocartilagenous structure known as intervertebral disc, and there are two joints known as facet joints. It is because of this iintervertebral disc and facet joints that forward bending ,extension and some rotation of our back is possible. Then there are three curves ,at the level of neck, at chest and at lower back known as lumbar curve. The spine supports the spinal cord inside which sends out nerves to respective parts of the body, at each level. It was designed perfectly but because of our changed living patterns and sometimes due to disease so many people suffer from backache

What causes back pain: There are many causes of back pain I will start listing them in order of decreasing frequency. The most common cause is strain to the ligaments of the spine due to bad posture, then comes strains to back muscles caused by lifting something heavy, osteoporosis, facet joint strain., prolapsed intervertebral disc, spondylisthesis, etc.Besides there are diseases in other organs of the body not related to spine which can cause pain in back, these pains are known as reffered pains.

Investigations-That may be needed    are few blood tests, X ray lumbosacral spine, CT scan or MRI scan , Bone scan, Electro diagnostic studies, Myelography. In most cases of backache the investigations are usually not needed. Most of the times the severity of pain may not correlate with the amount of derangement shown by the investigations. That is the backache may be severe and the tests reveal only minor derangement, and the pain may be mild and needs medical attention very fast.

Diagnosis is made by a detailed history and distribution of pain, other accompanying complaints if any, physical examination by the  doctor,  and findings on investigations ordered by the doctor.

Management of back pain     The various types of treatment available for backache are described below.
Absolute bed rest: Bed rest is necessary in most cases and brings about faster recovery. The person should rest on a hard bed. The mattress should neither too hard nor soft. He should rest in the position of minimal pain or discomfort. Now the rest which is usually advised is for 1 to 2 days depending on the severity of pain, followed by a gradual return to normal activities and exercises for back.
Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines cure the backache by reducing inflammation in soft tissues. They also provide relief in pain and induce a feeling of general well-being.
Muscle relaxants: They reduce the muscle spasms in spinal muscles. By reducing the spasm of  muscles the nerves get relieved and there is less pain, also it leads to improved oxygenation of the spinal muscles.
Physiotherapy: This should be started as early as possible as soon as the pain is less. It strengthens the spinal muscles thereby improving the posture.
Heat therapy: This is also helpful in relieving pain..
Personality : It has been found that these pains strike especially when a person is undergoing a stressful period of his life. A person should be able to change his mental attitude by not worrying too much about what is happening and taking life as it comes.
Antidepressants: These medicines are also very helpful and they act firstly by modifying the moods, and they are good muscle relaxants.